Walking Horse Trainers Association

10/21/2026

The United Walking Horse Fall Finale, scheduled for November 19-21, 2026, in Tunica, Mississippi, is the combined effort of the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST), Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA), Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) and Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA). Three of the organizations, FAST, TWHBEA and WHTA each selected a judge to join the panel. This year’s judges will be Scott Beaty, Herbert Derickson and Brent Grider.

The class schedule is available online and will be printed in this week’s edition of the Walking Horse Report. The schedule has one BUY-A-CLASS spot available, and it will be first come, first serve. To purchase the BUY-A-CLASS, contact Sarah Smith at 931-580-5085 or [email protected].

The Gold Strike Casino Resort has once again been selected as the Host Hotel for this year’s show. The room rates are remaining the same as past three years, but rooms are limited and must be reserved by November 5, 2026. To reserve your room, call the hotel at 888-245-7829 and ask for the “United Fall Finale” rate. The discounted rate for horse show exhibitors is $79 for Mon-Thu and $149 for Fri-Sat. Rates are based on availability and do not include applicable taxes and resort fee.

To reserve a VIP table for the show, contact Sarah Smith at 931-580-5085 or [email protected]. To reserve stalls, RV spaces or vendor spaces, contact Dee Cantrell at 706-366-1011 or [email protected]. Sponsorships are greatly needed and appreciated and can be coordinated through either Sarah or Dee.

Stay up-to-date with plans for this year’s United Fall Finale. To receive text updates about the show, text UNITED to 888-407-3412. You can also click here to sign up for email alerts: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/RcnRA5j/UNITED

10/07/2026

A note from your President:

This has been a tough day for the WHTA. This morning we learned of the passing of long time member and friend, Russell Keyser. I got a call a little while ago informing me of the passing of another respected horse trainer, Jerry Woodlee. We are not aware of any arrangements yet for either individual but I encourage us all to take a moment and thank God for the days we are here and for the blessings He has provided us. Thoughts and prayers to these gentlemen's families.

Spencer Benedict - President, WHTA

09/28/2026

The Rotary Club Horse Show - October 2nd!

The Walking Horse Trainers Association is collaborating with the Rotary Club of Shelbyville to put on a horseshow on Friday October 2nd at Champions Arena. The Rotary Club of Shelbyville has a deep historical connection with the walking horse industry as one of the founding organizations of the TWHNC and for many years hosted a food booth at The Celebration. The Rotary Club of Shelbyville is again engaging with the walking horse industry to put on a horseshow with 100% of the proceeds going to fund health and hygiene packs for children and adults in Bedford County through Rotary’s partnership with the Shelbyville Soup Kitchen and Bedford County Schools. As the winter months come upon us, there will be many children and adults in Bedford County who will need simple things like shampoo, soap, tooth paste, a tooth brush, deodorant and so forth for basic hygiene care. The Rotary Club of Shelbyville will be purchasing all of the health and hygiene packs with the proceeds from this show and distributing them to children and adults through their partners at Bedford County Schools and the Shelbyville Soup Kitchen. As with many civic efforts of this sort, the Rotary Club of Shelbyville is in need of sponsorship support. If you or any of your customers are able to make a contribution, it would be most welcome, and of course please come and support the show with your entries! We have been working closely with the show committee to help and support the Rotary Club in organizing their show and we would greatly appreciate any sponsorship and support so please reach out if you are interested!

08/24/2026

‼️REMINDER: General Membership Meeting‼️
🗓️ Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
⏰ 5:30 pm
📍 Blue Ribbon Circle Club

& don’t forget, cookout provided by Rowdy Ranch Catering to follow the meeting at 6:30! 🍔🌭

08/20/2026

Please make plans to attend our General Membership Meeting next Tuesday, August 25th, 2026. The meeting will be held at 5:30 in the Blue Ribbon Circle Club with a cookout to follow at 6:30 provided by Rowdy Ranch Catering. We encourage you to invite your grooms, farriers, and barn help to eat with us as we kick of the start of the 2026 TWHNC! 🌹🏆🐴🥇

08/08/2026

Save the Date and make plans to attend the Walking Horse Trainers Auxiliary annual DOG 🐕 SHOW! This is a fun and lighthearted event every year that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
🐾 There are classes available for all ages of humans and dogs alike.
🐾Load up your four legged friends and come have some fun.
🐾The dog show is free to watch - bring all of your friends in the Bedford County community.
🐶 Get ready to have a great time for a “PAW-SOME” cause!

07/03/2026

07/03/2026

Our version of heaven… ringside at one heck of a horse show! ❤️🤍💙

We are simply blown away by the turn out of Fireworks & Freedom… 370 entries in two nights! We hope you all enjoyed the quality of horses in attendance, the exciting competition, the extremely warm weather, & most importantly, the fellowship! Thank you, thank you, thank you to ALL who made this possible! Let ‘em walk on! 🇺🇸🧨🏆🐴🥇

07/02/2026

📣 DON’T FORGET— Tailgate Contest is judged TONIGHT @ 7 pm! Bring your best red, white, & blue SPIRIT & have a chance to win $150! 🇺🇸🧨🚗💰

07/01/2026

TONIGHTS THE NIGHT! Join us for Fireworks &
Freedom at the Bedford County Ag Center starting at 6 pm! 🧨🇺🇸🐴